By Duchess Ifeoluwa
Ondo State Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday flagged off the construction of the Akure–Imafon road, describing the initiative as further proof of his administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal and efficient service delivery.
Speaking at the ceremony held at the NNPC–Imafon Junction along Igbatoro road, Akure, the Governor said the project was a direct response to decades-long appeals from residents of the corridor.
He noted that the flag-off signified another fulfilled promise made during his campaign and at his inauguration.
Aiyedatiwa expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, spiritual leaders, party chieftains, community leaders, youth groups and landlords in the area for their resilience and self-help efforts in maintaining the road before government intervention.
“Your patience and perseverance have finally paid off. Government has taken over that burden, and your loyalty and sacrifice have not gone unrewarded,” he said.
Reaffirming his commitment to infrastructure expansion, the Governor said his administration aims to reduce the State’s road deficit by more than half before the end of his tenure.
He expressed optimism that the target would be surpassed if the current development tempo continues, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Transformation Agenda.
Aiyedatiwa said improved road networks were critical to economic growth, describing them as the “lifeblood of any modern economy” because they enhance movement of goods, services and ideas.
He revealed that the State Executive Council recently approved the rehabilitation and construction of 101 kilometres of road across the three senatorial districts, a move he said would ease transportation and stimulate community development.
The Governor appealed for the cooperation of residents of Igbatoro, Ala and Imafon during project execution, assuring them that inner roads in the axis would also receive attention.
He promised that all ongoing and inherited road projects, including the dualisation of the Ijoka road in Akure, would be completed.
“No project will be abandoned. Work will soon resume fully on the Ijoka dual carriageway,” he assured.
Chairman of Akure North Local Government, Johnson Ogunbolude, commended the Governor for what he described as a people-focused project.
He reaffirmed the unwavering support of the council area for the administration.
Also speaking, the Olumafon of Imafon, Oba Aliu Adegbehingbe, described the project as a “symbol of hope and development”.
The monarch recounted the Governor’s late-night visit to Imafon last year during which he had promised to fix the road.
“It is not up to a year now, and they have done a wonderful job,” he said while expressing gratitude on behalf of the community.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr Leye Akinola; Commissioner for Finance, Mrs Omowumi Isaac; Commissioner for Water Resources and Public Hygiene, Hon Ayo Akande; Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Dr Gbenga Fasua; and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, Hon Tayo Abidakun.
